pakistan eye changes
|

Pakistan eye changes for Lord’s Test after heavy defeat

ByJustpaste.in

LONDON: Pakistan are considering changes to their playing XI for the second Test against England at Lord’s after a heavy defeat in Leeds exposed several weaknesses in the visitors’ lineup.

The second Test of the series is scheduled to begin on August 27, with Pakistan’s team management expected to finalise the playing XI after assessing conditions in London.

Pakistan suffered a disappointing start to the series, losing the opening Test by an innings and 103 runs. The result has prompted the management to consider adjustments as the team looks to bounce back at the home of cricket.

One of the major possibilities is a rest for wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan. His potential absence would open the door for another player to take responsibility behind the stumps while allowing the team management to refresh its batting combination.

The biggest question, however, surrounds Babar Azam. The former Pakistan captain missed the first Test because of a finger injury, but team management remains hopeful that he will recover in time to return for the Lord’s match.

If Babar is declared fit, Azan Awais is reportedly likely to make way. His return would provide Pakistan with considerable experience in the middle order at a crucial stage of the series.

Bowling plans could also change according to the conditions at Lord’s. Sources indicate that Pakistan may consider playing two spinners if the pitch and weather point towards a slower, drier contest.

The management is also reportedly considering young fast bowler Ubaid Shah because of his extra pace. His ability to generate speed could provide Pakistan with a different attacking option against England’s strong batting lineup.

The conditions in London are expected to differ from those encountered in Leeds. Reports suggest a relatively dry and potentially flat surface could be prepared, increasing the possibility of a match in which batting becomes easier as the game progresses.

For Pakistan, the Lord’s Test is more than another fixture in the series. After being comprehensively beaten in Leeds, they need a strong response to regain confidence and keep the series alive.

England, meanwhile, will enter the match with momentum and will be confident of repeating their dominant performance. Pakistan’s final XI could therefore prove crucial as they attempt to turn the tide at one of cricket’s most historic venues.

Similar Posts

  • |

    Khairpur Lithium discovery boosts industry plans

    ByJustpaste.in

    Pakistan has taken a significant step towards developing its first indigenous lithium industry after the discovery of high-quality lithium reserves in Sindh’s Khairpur districtPakistan has taken a significant step towards developing its first indigenous lithium industry after the discovery of high-quality lithium reserves in Sindh’s Khairpur district, opening new opportunities for the country’s mineral and industrial sectors. In a major development, the Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) has entered into a strategic agreement with the Pakistan Institute of Nuclear Science and Technology (PINSTECH) to jointly develop technology for the commercial-scale extraction of lithium from geothermal brine. The collaboration follows the successful identification of high-grade lithium in samples collected from a well located in Khairpur. The discovery is being viewed as a breakthrough that could reduce Pakistan’s dependence on imported lithium while creating new investment and industrial opportunities. Under the agreement, OGDCL and PINSTECH will work together to design and develop advanced extraction technologies capable of recovering lithium efficiently from geothermal brine. The initiative is expected to pave the way for the establishment of a domestic lithium processing industry, supporting the growing global demand for the critical mineral. Lithium is considered one of the world’s most valuable strategic minerals due to its extensive use in rechargeable batteries for electric vehicles, mobile phones, laptops, renewable energy storage systems, and other advanced technologies. As global demand continues to rise, countries with commercially viable lithium resources are increasingly focusing on developing local production capabilities. Officials believe the partnership will strengthen Pakistan’s mineral exploration efforts, promote scientific research, and encourage technology-driven industrial development. The project is also expected to contribute to economic growth by attracting investment, generating employment opportunities, and enhancing the country’s position in the global critical minerals market.

  • |

    Rakhi Sawant slams Kangana Ranaut over student protest remarks

    ByJustpaste.in

    Actor and television personality Rakhi Sawant has strongly criticized fellow actress and politician Kangana Ranaut following her controversial remarks about student protesters. Kangana’s comments, made after the resignation of former Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, have sparked widespread outrage on social media, with many accusing her of insulting young people who participated in the demonstrations. The controversy began when Kangana reacted to the protests by sharing a message on Instagram in which she referred to the student protesters using derogatory language. Her comments quickly drew criticism from internet users, who described the remarks as offensive and disrespectful toward the country’s youth. Among those speaking out against Kangana was Rakhi Sawant, who publicly condemned the actress in a video shared on Instagram. Rakhi did not hold back her criticism, calling Kangana a “chudail,” a Hindi word that translates to “witch,” while accusing her of repeatedly making insulting statements about ordinary people. In her video, Rakhi defended the students and questioned Kangana’s comments about young women participating in the protests. She said that the daughters and students of the country deserve respect rather than criticism and urged public figures to choose their words responsibly. Rakhi also questioned Kangana’s political standing and challenged her popularity among the public. She argued that true leadership comes from earning people’s trust and support instead of making controversial statements that offend citizens. Addressing Kangana directly, Rakhi said, “What did you do to become an MP? If you ever contest elections again, you may not receive people’s support. Why are you speaking like this about the girls of our country? Why are you insulting our students and our daughters?” The outspoken actress further alleged that such remarks damage the image of public representatives and create unnecessary divisions. She insisted that celebrities and politicians should encourage young people instead of discouraging or insulting them. Rakhi also referred to the incident that took place at Chandigarh Airport in 2024, when Kangana was slapped by a security staff member following her controversial comments about farmers. While condemning violence, Rakhi suggested that repeated provocative statements could continue to attract strong public reactions if such behavior does not change. She warned Kangana that making inflammatory remarks against different sections of society could lead to growing public anger, adding that respect for citizens is essential for anyone holding public office. The exchange has generated intense debate across social media platforms, with users expressing divided opinions. While many supported Rakhi’s criticism and defended the student protesters, others argued that public disagreements between celebrities should remain respectful despite political differences. As the controversy continues, neither Kangana Ranaut nor her team has issued a fresh response to Rakhi Sawant’s latest comments. However, the incident has once again placed both actresses at the center of a heated online discussion, highlighting the growing scrutiny surrounding statements made by public figures on political and social issues.

  • | |

    Liverpool owners in talks to sell minority stake t…

    ByJustpaste.in

    Liverpool’s owners, Fenway Sports Group, have confirmed they are in talks with British-Indian investor Amit Bhatia over a potential deal for a minority stake in the Premier League club. Bhatia, the son-in-law of Indian steel billionaire Lakshmi Mittal, is heading a consortium interested in buying into the 20-time English champions. An FSG spokesperson confirmed the approach from Bhatia’s group, stating: “An investment consortium led, managed, and represented by Amit Bhatia has expressed interest in making a strategic minority investment in Liverpool Football Club.” The Financial Times reported that Bhatia has hired advisers to work on the offer, which could value Liverpool at more than $6 billion. Bhatia, who previously served as a director of Queens Park Rangers and vice-chairman of the club’s holding company, is a prominent figure in British football. He has expressed pride and gratitude for his time at QPR, thanking players, managers, staff, and fans for making him feel part of the QPR family for many years. His involvement with Liverpool would mark a significant step in his investment career, further cementing his presence in English football. The discussions between Bhatia’s consortium and FSG are believed to be at an early stage, with no deal struck yet. Any investment from Bhatia would be made to further position Liverpool for success, following FSG’s move in 2023 to sell a minority stake in the club to global sports investment firm Dynasty. Reports at the time valued that transaction between $100 million and $200 million. FSG, which bought Liverpool for £300 million in 2010, has overseen a period of success for the club, including Premier League and Champions League titles. The potential sale of a minority stake to Bhatia’s consortium reflects FSG’s strategy of attracting strategic partners to support the club’s growth and competitiveness in an increasingly challenging football landscape. Bhatia’s consortium is the latest in a series of investment groups to express interest in Premier League clubs, highlighting the continued appeal of English football to global investors. If the deal proceeds, it would provide Liverpool with additional financial resources to invest in the squad and infrastructure, while Bhatia would gain a foothold in one of the world’s most iconic football clubs. The negotiations come amid ongoing speculation about the future of ownership at several top Premier League clubs. While FSG has maintained its commitment to Liverpool, the potential sale of a minority stake to Bhatia’s consortium suggests a willingness to explore strategic partnerships to secure the club’s long-term success. As discussions continue, Liverpool fans will be watching closely to see how any deal could impact the club’s future direction. The coming weeks will be critical in determining whether Bhatia’s consortium can finalize a deal that benefits both the investor and the club.

  • |

    Neymar answers critics with poker celebration on Santos return

    ByJustpaste.in

    Brazilian star Neymar marked his long-awaited return to action for Santos by scoring twice and responding to recent criticism with a playful goal celebration inspired by poker. The veteran forward helped Santos come from behind to secure a 2-2 draw against bottom-placed Chapecoense in Brazil’s Serie A on Saturday. The 34-year-old made his first appearance for Santos after spending two-and-a-half months on the sidelines. His return came at a crucial stage of the season, with Santos battling to avoid relegation from Brazil’s top flight. Although the draw earned the club an important point, Santos remain in danger, sitting just one point above the relegation zone. Neymar had come under renewed criticism earlier in the week after taking part in a poker tournament while his Santos teammates were playing a Copa Sudamericana match in Venezuela. His decision sparked debate among fans and pundits, with many questioning his priorities during his injury lay-off. The Brazilian forward appeared to respond to those comments after opening the scoring. Following his first goal, Neymar celebrated by pretending to deal playing cards, an apparent reference to the poker tournament that had attracted criticism. Moments later, he added another light-hearted celebration by using the corner flag to imitate a golf swing, further acknowledging the public scrutiny surrounding his off-field activities. Despite the criticism, Neymar delivered when Santos needed him most. His two goals helped the struggling side recover from a difficult position and earn a valuable draw. While the result did not move Santos away from the relegation battle, it provided encouragement as the club fights to remain in Brazil’s top division. The match also marked Neymar’s first appearance since Brazil’s disappointing FIFA World Cup campaign. The country’s all-time leading goalscorer recently announced the end of his international career after Brazil were eliminated by Norway in the Round of 16, bringing an end to one of the most successful international careers in the nation’s history. Having stepped away from international football, Neymar is now expected to focus entirely on helping Santos improve their domestic fortunes. His experience and leadership will be vital as the club attempts to avoid relegation during the remainder of the season. Fans welcomed Neymar’s return, with many praising his immediate impact despite the recent controversy. His performance demonstrated that he remains capable of making the difference on the pitch, even as discussions about his lifestyle continue off it. While his poker-themed celebration is likely to generate further debate, Neymar made one thing clear through his display against Chapecoense: he intends to answer his critics with performances rather than words. With Santos still facing a difficult fight for survival, the club will hope their star forward can maintain his fitness and continue producing decisive performances in the weeks ahead. 

  • | |

    NCLEX programme under fire: only 7 nurses pass out…

    ByJustpaste.in

    Islamabad: A Government backed programme designed to help Pakistani nurses qualify for international jobs came under strong questioning in the National Assembly after lawmakers raised concerns over the transparency, student selection and results of the NCLEX Nursing Training Programme. The National Assembly Standing Committee on Federal Education and Professional Training questioned how a Rs 150 million programme selected its training partner and why only seven nurses had cleared the NCLEX exam out of 500 trainees so far. The committee supported opportunities for Pakistani nurses to work abroad but demanded complete transparency regarding the programme’s planning, the selection of the implementing partner, and the use of public money. The issue was discussed during the 25th meeting of the committee, where members reviewed the performance and implementation of the NCLEX Nursing Training Programme launched by the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC). NAVTTC Executive Director Muhammad Amir Jan informed the committee that before this initiative, Pakistani nurses had to travel to countries such as Dubai, Bahrain, Turkey and Thailand to appear in the NCLEX examination. He said that with support from SIFC, NAVTTC was given responsibility to bring the examination system to Pakistan for the first time through Pearson VUE during 2024 and 2025. Officials informed the committee that the programme was designed to train 500 nurses. The training phase has been completed, 182 nurses have applied for the NCLEX examination and seven nurses have successfully cleared the test. However, members questioned the low success rate and asked whether the programme was producing the expected results. One committee member pointed out that seven successful candidates out of 500 trainees represented a very small percentage and questioned whether the programme needed improvements before more public funds were spent. NAVTTC officials defended the programme, saying that NCLEX is a difficult international examination and nurses who pass the test still require additional time before moving abroad for employment. Officials said nurses might need eight to eighteen months after passing the exam before they can travel for work opportunities. The committee also raised questions about the selection of the implementing partner, the Institute of Contemporary Studies. Members questioned whether a public advertisement was issued before selecting the organisation or if other institutions were given an opportunity to compete. They said programmes funded through public money must follow transparent procedures to maintain public confidence. NAVTTC officials explained that the programme was developed under an industry led model and was based on a proposal received from the Pakistan Nursing and Midwifery Council. They said such programmes do not always follow open advertisement procedures because they are based on specific industry requirements. However, members questioned whether a government body could recommend a specific private organisation without a competitive process. The committee also raised concerns about the role of the Pakistan Nursing and Midwifery Council. Members noted that in previous discussions, representatives of the council had stated they were not fully aware of the nurse selection process and training arrangements. NAVTTC officials responded that the council had formally approached NAVTTC for the project and that decisions taken by government bodies should be accepted by all stakeholders involved. Financial matters also came under discussion. NAVTTC informed the committee that the total project cost was Rs 150 million and that Rs 87 million had been released so far. Officials clarified that the remaining funds would be released only after achieving agreed results under a performance-based payment system. They said a bank guarantee was also available to protect government funds. The committee also questioned the quality and locations of the training centres. MNA Dr Shazia Sobia Aslam Soomro raised concerns about some training locations, including Matta in Swat, and asked how proper facilities and monitoring were ensured in those areas. NAVTTC officials responded that Khyber Medical University conducted training in Matta and promised to provide complete details of nurses trained there. Questions were also raised about trainer qualifications. Members asked how individuals with nursing degrees could provide NCLEX preparation training. Officials explained that trainers must themselves be NCLEX qualified according to programme requirements. The committee further discussed the selection of nurses for training. NAVTTC officials said their role was to set eligibility criteria, not directly select candidates. They explained that under the pay for success model, the training provider selects participants because the provider is responsible for results. At the conclusion of the meeting, the committee decided to invite the Pakistan Nursing and Midwifery Council in the next session to clarify the selection process of nurses and the appointment of the training partner. Chairperson Mahtab Akbar Rashdi said that every concern must be properly addressed because public funds were involved and the programme was created to provide international opportunities for Pakistani nurses.

  • |

    EU calls emergency meeting following mass migrant crossings into Ceuta

    ByJustpaste.in

    The European Union has convened an emergency meeting after 22 member states issued a joint letter demanding coordinated action to strengthen the bloc’s external borders following the arrival of 60,000 migrants in Spain’s North African enclave of Ceuta. The influx has triggered severe political friction within the EU, leading Italy, Finland, and Denmark to suspend or question passport-free Schengen travel arrangements with Spain. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez condemned the unilateral measures as unlawful and selfish, maintaining that border control was fully restored within 48 hours and preventing onward movement into continental Europe. EU officials confirmed the death toll from the crossing attempt has risen to at least 67 while the vast majority of individuals who entered the enclave have since returned to Morocco. The joint letter addressed to EU leadership stresses that uncoordinated responses risk creating a perception that illegal entry into the bloc is possible, which would encourage further crossing attempts across member states. In response to the crisis, Spanish authorities have installed floating security barriers off the Ceuta coastline while working alongside international partners to secure the border perimeter.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *